The Westport Country Playhouse in Westport, Conn., will present "Diary of a Worm, a Spider, and a Fly," a musical based on the bestselling books at 1 and 4 p.m., Sunday, March 9, 2014. The show, which is produced by Omaha Theater Company, is recommended for ages 4 and up. Tickets are $20. For more information, call 203-227-4177 or visit www.westportplayhouse.org.

Photo: Contributed Photo

The Westport Country Playhouse in Westport, Conn., will present...

Image 2 of 2

The Westport Country Playhouse in Westport, Conn., will present "Diary of a Worm, a Spider, and a Fly," a musical based on the bestselling books at 1 and 4 p.m., Sunday, March 9, 2014. The show, which is produced by Omaha Theater Company, is recommended for ages 4 and up. Tickets are $20. For more information, call 203-227-4177 or visit www.westportplayhouse.org.

For actor Bobby Gamez, his latest role has posed something of a challenge.

"This is the first time I have not been able to use my arms and legs," he said. "I still get to dance and move around, but you can only do so many things with your shoulders and head."

Gamez, a New York City-based actor, plays Worrying Worm in the Omaha Theater Company production of "Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly," based on the best-selling books of Doreen Cronin and Harry Bliss. The show makes a stop at the Westport Country Playhouse on Sunday, March 9, for two performances.

Gamez makes his way about the stage by inching forward slowly, with tiny steps, but his message he and the five other cast members convey is a big one.

"The overlying theme is that everyone is good at something," he said, even if that talent is not one at which one is expected to excel. "Be yourself and be true to yourself."

As all three creatures make their way through their days, in dialogue and song, they begin to discover their own special talent.

"The fly wants to be a superhero," said Melissa Victor, who plays Fearless Fly. In the end, though, she said the fly learns that having super talents also means recognizing the importance of teamwork.

Victor, who is originally from Baltimore, said she too had to learn some new skills to prepare for the role. To replicate the idea of flying, she dons a pair of roller shoes for each performance.

Ryan Heidenreich, who plays Sassy Spider, said he thinks a major part of the allure for younger audiences is the story's central theme that even if you are small, feel "underfoot" or think you are inconsequential in the grand scheme of things, you have an important role and you are thoroughly unique.

"When the kids see the set ... everything looks bigger," he said. "We have a gigantic milk carton, a giant soda can, a large fly swatter, so even at the beginning of the show, right away they come away with the feeling of being in the life of a bug."

The Brooklyn, N.Y.-based Heidenreich said from the first song, the story is really about reminding the children in the audience, and adults, too, that each person, or perhaps, bug, has its own purpose in life and it is important to not feel left out or think one's talent is not as worthy as another.

Gamez said he enjoys the fact that the musical brings all the characters together -- the book series gives each character its own book and story.

"Instead of having to root for a certain character, you can root for all of them," he said.

Christina.hennessy@scni.com; Twitter: @xtinahennessy

Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court. Sunday, March 9, 1 and 4 p.m. (recommended for 4 and older) $20. Each show will be preceded by an hour of activities at noon and 3 p.m. 203-227-4177, www.westportplayhouse.org.